RSS Feeds

RSS feeds are used to simplify the process of visiting other blogs. Instead of using a Web browser to navigate to each page and check for updates, you can use a reader to subscribe to RSS feeds of your favorite Web sites. The reader will download information about any new updates and post them in one place for quick reference.

This video demonstrates how RSS feeds work:

How to set up a reader:

There are lots of options for reader software. I recommend using a Web-based reader (not browser) because you will be able to access your subscriptions from any Internet connection. I will write these instructions for use with Google Reader.

1. Open Google Reader in a new window (so that you can still read these instructions). You can right-click on the link and choose "Open Link in New Window." google.com/reader
2. You will need a Google account. To create one, click "Create an Account" on the right-side of the screen. If you already have a Google account, log in and skip to step 4.
3. Fill in the requested information (your e-mail address must be valid). When you submit, a verification message will be sent to the e-mail address you entered. Check your inbox and click the link in the e-mail message.Click the next link to manage your account profile, and then click "Google Reader" on the right side of the page.
4. On the left side of the page, click "Add Subscription." Enter the Web site address for the page you want to add. The reader will automatically download all of the updates to the site.